Auto driver's son cracks NEET in fourth attempt; domestic help's daughter fulfils dream

Two students from economically disadvantaged families in Uttar Pradesh have cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), overcoming personal and financial hardships to pursue careers in medicine. In Lucknow, Neelu, the daughter of a domestic help, lost her father when she was in Class 8 as her family could not afford timely medical treatment. "My father died because we couldn't afford proper medical treatment. That loss changed my life forever. I decided that I wanted to become a doctor so that no family has to lose a loved one simply because they are poor," she said.

Neelu began her education at Prerna Girls School, run by Study Hall Education Foundation (SHEF) for girls from marginalised communities, and later earned a scholarship to Study Hall School for Classes 11 and 12. She scored 94 per cent in the CBSE Class 12 examinations this year while simultaneously preparing for NEET. Neelu has also been awarded a scholarship that will cover her tuition and related educational expenses as she pursues her ambition of becoming a cardiologist. Her mother, the family's sole earning member, works as a hospital attendant and domestic help. Despite pressure from relatives and members of the community to discontinue her daughters' education and arrange their marriages, she continued to support Neelu's studies.

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"My teachers at the school made me believe that education can transform our lives, no matter where we come from. My success is the greatest gift I can give back to my school and family. I hope my journey inspires more students to dream bigger and become changemakers," Neelu said. SHEF Founder and CEO Urvashi Sahni said Neelu's success demonstrated the transformative impact of quality education and opportunity. Study Hall School Principal Meenakshi Bahadur described her as an exceptionally hardworking student.

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In Gorakhpur, 23-year-old Vishal Tiwari, the son of an auto-rickshaw driver, cleared the NEET in his fourth attempt, scoring 605 marks out of 720 despite financial hardship and family responsibilities. Vishal, who completed Class 12 with Biology in 2022, initially prepared for the medical entrance examination without coaching because his family could not afford it. During this period, his family arranged his marriage and he later became a father, however, he continued pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor. His father, Santosh Tiwari, later borrowed money to enrol him in a coaching institute in 2024. Vishal also earned money by giving home tuition while attending coaching classes and studying late into the night at a library. Crediting his parents and wife for their support, Vishal said he wanted to buy a car for his father after becoming a doctor. "The first thing I want to do after becoming a doctor is buy a car for my father," he said.